Premises liability cases in Texas require a diligent approach to collecting high-quality evidence. If you would like to receive full compensation for injuries sustained on someone’s property, you must tie the incident to your damages. This requires different types of evidence.
The process of collecting evidence in Katy premises liability cases may involve making official inquiries. An experienced property hazard attorney can help you understand which evidence works best and assist with gathering it.
Types of Evidence in a Premises Liability Case
When you gather evidence in a Katy premises liability case, you need to consider different types of information that may exist. The following are some of the main ways we prove fault and damages.
Photographs and Video Footage
Photos and videos can show the dangerous condition exactly as it appeared at the time of the incident. This may include anything from broken stairs and wet floors to uneven pavement and poor lighting. Your attorney can also demand access to the surveillance footage from the property. It may show how long a hazard (like spilled liquids) existed and whether the property owner took any steps to fix it.
Stores often overwrite video footage after some time, which is why it is so important to stop them from doing so as early as possible. The legal team can also write a spoliation letter, which is a formal written notice that requires the owner to preserve the evidence.
Reports and Records
Many properties require staff to create an incident report when injuries occur. These reports can confirm the date and location of the accident. They may also include statements from employees.
Meanwhile, maintenance records and inspection logs can show whether the property owner knew (or should have known) about the unsafe condition. These internal documents can prove to be highly valuable, but receiving them can be problematic without legal experience.
Medical Records and Bills
Medical documentation connects the accident to your injuries. You would need to provide doctors’ statements and emergency room reports, as well as prescriptions and anything else related to your injuries.
When to Collect Evidence
Evidence is strongest when you collect it as soon after the incident as possible. Conditions on a property can change quickly, and any delay may make it harder to prove what caused the injury.
While gathering evidence and making photos on-site can be highly useful, your health should always come first. A Katy attorney can step in early to request records and preserve video footage and other evidence while you are getting medical assistance for your premises liability injury.
What Is an Expert Witness?
An expert witness is a professional with specialized knowledge who helps explain technical issues in a premises liability case. Expert witnesses may include:
- Safety inspectors
- Engineers
- Medical professionals
They can explain why a property condition was unsafe or how it violated safety standards. Medical professionals can testify about how an injury is likely to affect your health long-term, and their testimony can be a highly valuable addition to the gathered evidence.
Discuss Collecting Evidence in Premises Liability Cases with an Attorney in Katy, TX
If you were hurt on someone else’s property, you can receive compensation. However, first, you need to gather proof. The key to collecting evidence in Katy premises liability cases is working with a legal professional. The personal injury attorneys from Schechter Shaffer & Harris have already handled multiple cases like this successfully. Contact us to discuss your situation today.
